Effect of Heated Water-Based Versus Land-Based Exercise Training on Hemodynamic Variables, Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Older Hypertensive

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise promotion is one of the main global goals of innumerous health and medical societies for preventing and managing noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs), being one of the main therapeutic for the patient with hypertension. Exercise in heated swimming pool has emerged as a potential alternative to physical exercise on the ground for the reduction of blood pressure (BP) of hypertensive patients, however, its effects on BP, as well as hemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory and functional variables of older individuals with hypertension have not been investigated. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of heated water-based exercise (HEx) versus land-based exercise (LEx) on BP, arterial stiffness, endothelial function, metabolic, inflammatory and functional variables of older individuals with hypertension. METHODS: 60 older individuals (male and female) with hypertension (age \> 60 years) will be randomized in 2:2:1 ratio to HEx, LEx or control (CON) intervention. The feasibility and physiological adaptations (physical capacity, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular responses to stress, biological and biochemical markers associated with the pathophysiology of the disease and vascular adaptations) will be assessed before, after 12 weeks and after 24 weeks of follow-up. HEx and LEx training programs will be performed three times per week and will be performed for the firs 12 weeks of follow-up.